Nissan Pathfinder Overview

The Pathfinder, built on the same platform as Nissan's fullsize Titan truck, is a capable body-on-frame 7-passenger midsize SUV. With better trail and towing capacities comes tradeoffs in fuel economy and ride comfort, but the Pathfinder can certainly deliver when it comes time to get dirty. A special 25th Anniversary Silver Edition trim joins the S, SV and LE for 2011. Power to the rear or all 4 wheels comes from a standard 4.0-liter V6 making 266 hp, while a 5.6-liter V8 is optional only on the top-level LE trim when equipped with 4-wheel-drive. A 5-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, featuring a manual shift mode on all trim levels except the base S model.

Choosing 4WD brings a shift-on-the-fly 4x4 switch-operated 2-speed transfer case. The second and third seating rows fold flat, revealing up to 79.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The Pathfinder can tow 6,000 lbs. with the V6 or 8,000 lbs. with the V8.